Aspiring documentary filmmakers in India have a significant opportunity to bring their unique stories to life with the announcement of the 2025–26 Documentary Film Fellowships. This initiative, a collaboration between Rough Edges and the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation, aims to foster artistic research and experimentation, supporting the creation of films that delve into innovative ideas and nuanced perspectives.
Fellowship Focus and Eligibility
The fellowships are specifically designed to support films that explore feminist inquiries, alternative narratives, and reflections on unconventional, unheard, or neglected experiences. The program actively seeks to foreground the fragile, the marginal, the unexplored, and the silenced aspects of existence, particularly as they intersect with gender, caste, class, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability, age, ethnicity, work, and region. The goal is to give form and language to these often-invisibilized realities, challenging mainstream understandings and offering new perspectives.
Key Takeaways
- Target Audience: Women, trans, and queer filmmakers residing in India.
- Focus Areas: Feminist enquiries, marginalized experiences, innovative forms and treatments.
- Project Stage: Early development or conception stage; not for projects near completion.
- Award: Three fellowships of ₹3,00,000 each.
- Timeline: Films to be completed within eight to nine months.
- Mentorship: Supported by Rough Edges and the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation.
- Submission Deadline: September 20, 2025.
Application Details and Support
Applications are open to individuals, teams, or collectives. Voices from communities marginalized by various social factors are particularly encouraged. Proposals can be submitted in any language, with the final films requiring English subtitles. The desired film length is between 40 and 60 minutes. Innovative formats and treatments are highly encouraged. Projects must be in the early stages of development or conceived specifically for this call; proposals seeking only post-production funds are not eligible.
Each fellowship recipient will receive ₹3,00,000 and is expected to complete their film within an eight to nine-month period. The fellowship includes mentorship and feedback from both Rough Edges and the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation. Applicants are limited to one proposal submission.
Supporting Artistic Expression
The Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation, dedicated to advancing the legacy of Mrinalini Mukherjee and her family, actively supports visual arts practitioners, scholars, and students. Through initiatives like these fellowships, the foundation aims to create vital platforms for innovative artistic expression and foster collaborations within the cultural landscape.
